Team USA's mixed doubles curling team of Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin began their 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic campaign with a perfect 2-0 record on Thursday. Their day featured a significant 8-6 comeback victory over Norway, the defending silver medalists, followed by a commanding 7-4 win against Switzerland.
The match against Norway was a tense battle that came down to the final stone. Despite Norway holding the hammer in the last end, the American duo executed crucial shots to secure the upset win. Thiesse and Dropkin, both Olympic debutants, defeated the experienced Norwegian pair of Magnus Nedregotten and Kristin Skaslien, who have two prior Olympic medals.
In their second match, the U.S. pair maintained control against Switzerland. They built a steady lead through precise shot-making, forcing Switzerland to concede after the eighth end. The two victories place Team USA atop the early round-robin standings.
In other Thursday curling action, Great Britain and Sweden also improved to 2-0, while reigning gold medalist Italy started its title defense with a win. Norway's surprising 0-3 start contrasts sharply with their past podium success.
Thiesse and Dropkin return to the ice Friday for matches against Canada and the Czech Republic, looking to extend their winning streak.